Accommodation

hillhacks is a multi-day event so clearly you will need to find somewhere to
stay, keep clean and perform vital bodily functions. Three options are listed
below in order of preference. Feel free to discuss your accommodation hacks on
the mailing list.

Campsite

This is the preferred option.

Enjoy the great outdoors. Camping facilities on the property are limited to
about 50 tents, so this is first-come, first-served. When the campsite is
filled, we will identify fresh camping spots; you will need to pay a minimal
charge to the property owner directly.

You must bring your own tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag. We will not be
able to provide tents this year. If you do not own a tent yet, cheap tents can
be bought at Decathlon. In previous years, local attendees have offered to
bulk-buy tents for people and bring them to the venue. Please discuss on the
mailing list.

You will be able to share sanitary facilities in the main venue and there is a
stream a short distance away.

Stay nearby

If you come without a tent, you must find accommodation nearby. There are
plenty of homestays and hotels in and around Bir Billing. Booking in advance is
recommended. Use your favourite search engine or app to find a space that suits
your needs and budget.

On-site rooms

Four of the six rooms at our venue are used for workshops, a shared lounge, and
other common spaces. The toilet and bathing facilities in these rooms are
shared by all of the campers on site.

We reserve one room as an infirmary/nursery and one for solo women travellers
who would prefer not to sleep alone in tents. These rooms’ bathing facilities
are also shared with campers and conference attendees.

If you are arriving very early in the morning, you may have a nap in the lounge
before you set up your tent later in the day.

You will need to bring your own sheets or a sleeping bag.

Please let us know by email if you would like to stay in a shared room at
the venue so we can plan occupancy. Note that your stay in a shared room is not
confirmed until we tell you it is. Preference will be given to attendees with
particular needs (injury, illness, infants, etc.).

FAQ: Do foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

Please be aware that foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for being out at night in the surrounding areas.

Our hillhacks campsite does not require foreign nationals to get a permit.
However, the nearby surround village (which has all the restaurants) does require a permit post sunset.

To apply for a PAP, submit the following at the registration desk:

2 passport size color photographs

2 copies of your passport (B/W photocopies should do)

2 photocopes of your Indian Visa.

You can get photocopies done nearby, and there is a shop (Digital Seva) near Hotel Surya Classic where you can get passport photos made.

Further details on the PAP application
are available on the Deer Park Institute website. You can submit these
documents at the Registration Desk and we will get you the permit
via an agent (who is charging us 500 INR/permit). Alternatively,
you can apply for the permit in person at Dharamshala. See the above-mentioned
Deer Park website for how.

Indian Citizens staying at the main venue will need to hand over a copy of their identity proof. If you are staying elsewhere, we don’t need it, but your hotel may.

You can submit an improvement to this page by
visiting GitHub.
You will need to fork the website and submit a Pull Request.
If you don't want to use a GitHub account, feel free to submit a patch on the mailing list.